using commas

"First, you need to look carefully at your eating habits," said Dr. Perillo.

"Yes, you should keep a journal of the foods you eat," she said.

"Dr. Perillo, what do you mean by the right servings?" asked Emilio.

"Ok, good question," she said.

All correct, yes.

In this conversation, commas are used to set off direct speech and to separate parts of the dialogue.

1. "First, you need to look carefully at your eating habits," said Dr. Perillo.
- The comma after "First" sets off an introductory word or phrase indicating that she is starting her explanation.
- The comma before the closing quotation mark separates the speech from the speech tag ("said Dr. Perillo").

2. "Yes, you should keep a journal of the foods you eat," she said.
- The comma after "Yes" sets off an interjection, indicating agreement or confirmation.
- The comma before the closing quotation mark separates the speech from the speech tag ("she said").

3. "Dr. Perillo, what do you mean by the right servings?" asked Emilio.
- The comma after "Dr. Perillo" sets off the name, addressing the person directly.
- The comma before the closing quotation mark separates the speech from the speech tag ("asked Emilio").

4. "Ok, good question," she said.
- The commas after "Ok" and "good question" set off an exclamation and a direct address respectively, indicating agreement or affirmation.
- The comma before the closing quotation mark separates the speech from the speech tag ("she said").